Atleti have been defeated by their rivals in each of their last three European campaigns, twice in the final, and the sides were again paired together in Friday's last-four draw.

But with his side still fighting to secure a top-three league position and automatic qualification for the Champions League next season, Simeone is adamant he cannot look too far ahead, while his team will not be distracted by the identity of their semi-final opponents.

"The goal is to reach the final and, for this, you have to beat the opponent you play," he told a pre-match news conference ahead of playing Espanyol. "Whoever the rival, it would be the same goal and the same reason to win.